JUNE IS RIVERS MONTH! This calendar, covering
river-related events in Massachusetts from Friday, May
9thto Sunday, July 6th,
has been compiled by the Massachusetts Riverways Program
to provide you with the opportunity to participate in
events in, on and along the rivers of the Commonwealth.
Take this opportunity to invite your friends, family,
local leaders, legislators, and/or a favorite reporter to
clean up, paddle, protect, enjoy and celebrate your
favorite rivers and streams or experience new ones. Get
some healthful exercise in and/or along the Commonwealth’s
many scenic waterways.

Many activities require reservations in advance. Please
call/e-mail ahead to inquire about any restrictions, fees,
rain dates or cancellations that may apply. Any questions
should be directed to the event organizers at the contact
phone numbers and/or e-mails provided for each listing.

If
you prefer, the 2008 Massachusetts Rivers Month
Calendar may also be accessed on-line at Riverways’
web page,

May 9th
(Friday) – CHILDS RIVER (CAPE COD WATERSHED) – Go With the Flow – Childs
River Ecology,
9:00 AM, sponsored by the Waquoit Bay National
Estuarine Research Reserve.
Explore this little visited spot on Reserve lands. Join
Steve Hurley of MassWildlife and Gabrielle Stebbins of MA
Riverways Program (and former WBNERR Interpretive
Naturalist), for an insider’s look. Meet at Reserve HQ and
then carpool to the river site. Call (508) 457-0495
ext.108 or e-mail
nancy.church@state.ma.us
to register or for more info.

May 10th
(Saturday) – HOOSIC RIVER – Mother's Day Weekend
Flotilla,
10:30 AM, sponsored by the Hoosic
River Watershed Association.
Three rafts will depart Ashton Avenue in North Adams for
about an hour’s paddle to Lauren's Launch in Williamstown.
All ages and levels of experience welcome. Life jackets,
paddles, and helmets provided (but children under 40 lbs
must bring their own life jackets). Youngsters 16 and
under must come with an adult. Wear clothes and shoes that
can get wet. Signup is first-come, first-served for a
total of 15 seats. (If you have a group of 4 or more,
please talk to us about scheduling a special trip of your
own). A voluntary donation of $10 per passenger over 12
years old would be much appreciated! NOTE: YOU MUST
PRE-REGISTER; contact HooRWA at (413) 458-2742.

May 10th
(Saturday) – NEMASKET RIVER (TAUNTON WATERSHED) – River Race in
Middleborough,
co-sponsored by the Middleborough Park Dept. and the
Taunton
River Watershed Alliance.
Free burgers or hot dogs with chips and drink at the end
of the race for all registered participants! Trophies
awarded to the top 3 in each category! Pre-Registration:
$15 per person ($20 day of race). Sign up at the Masi
Field House, located at 26 Jackson St. in Middleborough,
or call (508) 946-2440. Sign up before the race from 8:30
to 10:30 AM at Old Bridge St. in Lakeville. Race begins at
11:00 AM at that location and ends at the Oliver Mill Park
in Middleborough.

May 10th
(Saturday) – RED BROOK (BUZZARDS BAY WATERSHED) – Fish Migrations: Fresh to
Salt and Back Again,
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Lyman
Reserve,
sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations. Red Brook
provides habitat for herring and rare sea-run brook trout
that move between fresh and salt water. Learn about these
hidden migrations and the restoration of this ecologically
important stream. Click here,
call (508) 679-2115 or write to bioreserve@ttor.org
for more info.

May 10th
(Saturday) – CHARLES RIVER – Canoe Trip,
South Natick to Dedham, sponsored by the Wampanoag Paddlers.
Click here
for more info.

May 10th
(Saturday) – CANOE RIVER (TAUNTON WATERSHED) –21stAnnual Canoe River
Awareness Day,
10:00AM – 12:00noon,sponsored by the Canoe
River Aquifer Advisory Committee
(CRAAC). This year’s event will be held at the LL Bean
store in Mansfield Crossing, 280 School St. in Mansfield
and will include displays of Maps and Wildlife Photos and
demonstrations of outdoor gear by L.L. Bean staff.
Contact CRAAC Chairman Wayne Southworth at
wsouthworth@easton.ma.us
or (508) 230-0810 for more info.

May 10th
(Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Flatwater canoe/kayak
trip from Topsfield to Ipswich,
sponsored by the
Appalachian Mountain Club.
Put in at Topsfield and take out at Foote Bros. For canoe
rental with partner, call Foote Bros. in Ipswich at (978)
356-9771. Bring PFD, water, lunch/snacks. Call Leader Mac
Meyers at (781) 275-0511 to pre-register (required)
and for more details.

May 10th
(Saturday) – WESTFIELD RIVER –

Fly-Fishing Derby and
Clinic,
sponsored by the Westfield
River Watershed Association.
The event is aimed to teach kids (and their parents if
necessary) the basics of fly fishing. There
will be a fly-fishing derby as well, with prizes for
classes of fish caught, and a raffle! Registration begins
at 9:00 AM at B&G Sporting Goods, on Rt. 20 near the
MassPike bridge and the Westfield/Russell town line.
Click here
or contact Bill Roseat (413) 786-0195 for
more info.

May 10th
(Saturday) – NEPONSET RIVER –

Spring Birding at the
Estuary,
8:00 AM, sponsored by the Boston Natural Areas
Network.
Join local birding enthusiast Carl Johnson for an early
morning bird walk along the Greenway and into the Neponset
estuary. Bring your binoculars or call to reserve a pair.
Beginners welcome. Meet at the Butler MBTA Red Line
trolley station parking lot, on Butler Ave in Dorchester,
off of Adams Street near Lower Mills. Click here
or call (617) 542-7696 for more info.

May 10th
(Saturday) – NEPONSET RIVER – Bio Blitz,
9:00AM-1:00PM, co-sponsored by the Neponset
River Watershed Association
(NepRWA) and The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR), at
TTOR’s Signal Hill Reservation
in Canton. Expand your knowledge of our local ecosystems,
improve your wildlife identification skills and record our
local fauna and flora diversity while checking out one of
TTOR’s newest reservations, an archaeologically
significant site along the Neponset River. Families
welcome. What to bring: Enthusiasm, bug repellent, sun
block, a hat and a camera (optional). Rain date: May 17.
How to get there: Take I-95/Rt. 128 Exit 13 onto
University Ave. Proceed through large industrial park to
traffic light at Canton St. Turn left on Canton St., cross
Neponset River and take immediate right onto University
Rd. Proceed through office park. Park on right just before
the last building. Learn more by contacting NepRWA Board
of Directors member Paul Lauenstein at (781) 784-2986
orlauenstein@comcast.net.

May 10th,
11th, 17th and 18th –
CONCORD RIVER –Whitewater Rafting Trips
in Lowell,
sponsored by the Lowell
Parks and Conservation Trust
and Zoar Outdoor. This whitewater gem plunges over three
major class III-IV rapids - Twisted Sister, Three
Beauties, and Middlesex Dam. Each trip includes two runs
down the Lowell reach of the Concord. Adventurous rafters
14 and older are welcome. Your trip concludes with
passage through an 1850's lock chamber that brings you
right into downtown, seeing the city like never before. A
portion of the proceeds support the Trust’s work on the
Concord River. Call (800) 532-7483 for reservations, or
call (888) 375-1115 or click herefor more info.

May 10th
– June 14th (Saturdays) – STATEWIDE – Great Park Pursuit,
sponsored by the Mass.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
(DCR). DCR’s Great Park Pursuit is a team challenge
adventure activity that will bring families to state parks
on six Saturdays, beginning May 10th at
Borderland State Park in Easton. Register, get game rules,
and learn more at
www.greatparkpursuit.org

.

May 11th (Sunday)
– CONNECTICUT RIVER –Mother’s Day Canoe Trip,
9:30 AM – 12 noon, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary
in Easthampton. Bring your mom and celebrate Mother's Day
at Arcadia. Begin with a cup of hot coffee or hot
chocolate, and a muffin. Then we will get in the canoes
and take a gentle paddle through Arcadia's overflowing
Mill River and marsh. Paddle through floodplain forest
while looking for spring wildflowers blooming along the
shore. Look for returning warblers, herons, and
kingfishers. This trip is appropriate for all levels.
Open to children ages 10 and up. Basic paddling
instruction is provided. Fee: Adults/Children
$15.00 member/$20.00 non-member. Click here,
call (413) 584-3009 or write to arcadia@massaudubon.org
to register or for more info.

May 13th
(Tuesday) – MUMFORD RIVER (BLACKSTONE WATERSHED) – Lackey
Pond and Mumford River Paddle,
6:15 PM, sponsored by the Blackstone
Valley Paddle Club.
Come join us as we kick off our 8th season on
the beautiful Mumford River. The water levels should be
high enough in May to allow us to paddle further up the
river than we have in years past. This is always a popular
paddle. Suitable for all levels of experience.
Directions: Take Route 146 to the Lackey Dam
Road/Whitinsville Road exit. At end of exit take a right,
follow road approximately 1/2 mile to the dam. Parking is
available on the service road to the dam. Paddle through
Lackey Pond upstream into the Mumford River. Click here
or contact Cheryl at
StoneFoxFarm@juno.com
or (401) 647-5887 for more info.

May 14th
(Wednesday) – CHICOPEE RIVER – “Trail And
Greenway Development In The Region” free slide
presentation by Craig Della Penna

,
7:00 PM at the Chicopee
Comp High School Auditorium, 617 Montgomery St. in
Chicopee, sponsored by the Chicopee
River Walks Advisory Committee.
Contact Marie Meder at (413) 592-4946 or Doris Jerzyk at
(413) 537-0193 for more info.

May 14th
(Wednesday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Evening Paddle for Rails
and other Marsh Birds,
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife
Sanctuary.
The freshwater marsh known as Bunker Meadows can be a
magical place for viewing and listening to breeding
wetland birds. Usually the only opportunity visitors have
to observe Virginia rails, sora rails, or pied-billed
grebes is from a distant observation tower or boardwalk.
Tonight we’ll venture into the marsh by canoe for close-up
views of these amazing birds. Other birds we are likely to
encounter include the marsh wren, swamp sparrow, wood
duck, and much more. Basic paddling instruction will be
provided, along with all equipment. Participants must know
how to swim. Click here
or call (978) 887-9264 to sign up or for more info.

May 14th
– June 15th – CONNECTICUT RIVER –
Turners Falls Fishway Viewing,
sponsored by FirstLight Power
Resources.Click here
for more info.

May 16th
– 17th (Friday – Saturday) – SAUGUS RIVER
(NORTH COASTAL WATERSHED) – New Pathways to History":
the Grand Reopening of Saugus Iron Works National Historic
Site

5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
(Fri.), 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sat.). Festivities start at
5:30 PM Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Scratch out
your initials or creative design in a sand mold and watch
as it is cast in molten iron by the Iron Guild. Follow a
guided tour and see turning waterwheels and a working 500
pound hammer! Dance with the Royal Scottish Country
Dancers until 7:00 PM. On Sat., take a tour of the Iron
Works mill buildings: the Forge, Furnace, and Slitting
Mill, with working waterwheels; see blacksmith
demonstrations and working engine models by the New
England Model Engineering Society; engage in Colonial
games and lawn activities; and take part in hands-on
environmental activities and canoe or kayak rides
presented by the Saugus River Watershed
Council.
Live Music and free refreshments - Bring a picnic lunch!
Click here
or contact Curtis White at (781) 233-0050 for more info.

May 17th
(Saturday) – BLACKSTONE RIVER –32nd Annual
Canoe/Kayak Race,
11:00 AM, sponsored by the Blackstone River
Watershed Association.
This year’s 12-mile race begins in Fisherville, just
downstream of the Route 122A bridge over the Blackstone
River in south Grafton, and ends in the vicinity of River
Bend Farm Visitor Center, Blackstone
River and Canal Heritage State Park,
in Uxbridge. After the race there will be food, music, an
award ceremony as well as other family activities. The
BRWA also has a great raffle with a Great Canadian canoe
as the first prize. There’s lots of fun for the whole
family. Click here
for more info.

May 17th
(Saturday) – NORTH AND SOUTH RIVERS – 21st
Annual Cleanup Day,
9:00 AM – 12 noon,
sponsored by the North and South Rivers Watershed
Association. Join the NSRWA and head out by foot, truck,
or boat to remove trash and debris from our watershed. At
noon a celebratory cookout sponsored by Whole Foods Market
is held at the Driftway Park in Scituate for all
volunteers – we hope you will join us! Click here
or contact Paula Christie at the NSRWA office at (781)
659-8168 or paula@nsrwa.org
for more info.

May 17th
(Saturday) – MILLERS RIVER – Hike at the Birch Hill
Dam Recreation Area
in Winchendon, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM sponsored by the Millers
River Watershed Council.
This area features extensive hiking trails near the
Millers River and environs, including natural and cultural
stops like King Phillip Rock. Click here,
call (978) 248-9491 or write to
council@millersriver.net
for more info.

May 17th
(Saturday) – STATEWIDE –Park Serve Day: A
Statewide Effort to Clean Up Our Parks and Beaches, co-sponsored by
the Governor’s Public Liaison Office, the Mass. Executive
Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and the
Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
During this day of statewide volunteer service, we’ll work
together to get parks and beaches across Massachusetts
ready for summer. With your help, we’ll be sprucing up
park facilities, cleaning coastlines, maintaining trails,
planting flowers, and more. These valuable resources
belong to all of us, and we can all take pride in them!
Participating “river” parks include Alewife
Brook Reservation,
Nashua
River Rail Trail,
Robinson
State Park,
Maudslay
State Park,
Otter
River State Forest
and the
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.
Click here
for more details on cleanup locations and how to sign up.

May 17th
(Saturday) – NASHUA RIVER – Park Serve Day along the
Nashua River Rail Trail,
sponsored by the Friends of Willard Brook.
Help celebrate this statewide service day to state parks
by participating in this annual clean-up of the rail
trail. At 10:00 AM, arrive at the Ayer end of the trail,
the Sand Hill Road parking lot in Groton, Pepperell
center, or the Nashua end of the trail. We’ll also try to
complete the clean-up of an old dump site off River Street
in Dunstable. Register at any of those spots and receive
your official litter bags and gloves. Fill your bags with
litter, and leave them along the trailside for noontime
pick-up. Call Emily Norton at (978) 597-3553 with
questions.

May 18th
(Sunday) – SHAWSHEEN RIVER – Multi-Group tour of
Outdoor Life,
9:30 AM, sponsored by the Shawsheen River Watershed
Association.
This trip will be in conjunction with a number of groups
from Andover and will meet at Lowell Junction Road in
Andover
and paddle to the Ballardvale dam. Participating groups
include the Andover Department of Community Services,
Andover Conservation Committee, AVIS, Andover Historical
Society, Andover Trails Committee, Andover Youth Services,
and the Boy Scouts of America. Clickhere
or contact Bob Rauseo at (978) 851-9505, bob_otter@comcast.net
or
ShawsheenRiver@comcast.net
for more info.

May 18th
(Sunday) – MYSTIC RIVER – 12th Annual
Mystic River Herring Run & Paddle,
sponsored by (and benefiting) the Mystic River Watershed
Association.
Participate in a 5K Race, Walk, or 3- or 12-mile paddle.
Meet at the Boys and Girls Clubs, Blessing of the Bay
Boathouse, 32 Shore Drive in Somerville (park at the
Somerville District Court at 175 Fellsway). 5K Race &
Walk registration opens at 8:00AM; 5K Race starts at
9:00AM; Walk starts at 9:15AM; Paddling Race registration
begins at 8:30AM; Paddling Race starts at 10:30AM. Click
here
or contact Mark at (617) 893-0209 or HerringRun@gmail.com
for more info.

May 18th
(Sunday) – BLACKSTONE RIVER – The Rhode Island Reach:
the Blackstone Gorge to Pawtucket Tidewater,
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broad
Meadow Brook Sanctuary. At the MA/RI border, the Gorge is
one of the few sections of the Blackstone that remains in
its natural condition. Below the waterfall at Rolling Dam,
the river runs wild through steep cliffs vegetated with
mountain laurel and eastern hemlock. We’ll explore the
Gorge on foot and then travel by van to visit other
Blackstone sites downstream. Click here
or call (508) 755-8899 to sign up or for more info.

May 18th
(Sunday) – CHARLES RIVER – Picnic on the Charles in
Dover,
12:30 PM, sponsored by the Charles River Watershed
Association.
Join us for a chance to hear about CRWA’s efforts to
maintain a healthy river and CRWA’s recent pollution study
released by EPA. For more information or to RSVP, contact
Leigh Heffernan at (781) 788-0007 ext. 231 or lheffernan@crwa.org.

May 18th
(Sunday) – PLUM ISLAND SOUND (PARKER WATERSHED) – Horseshoe Crabs by Kayak,
9:00 AM – 1:30 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Joppa
Flats Wildlife Sanctuary. Every year, horseshoe crabs
crawl up onto sandy beaches to mate and lay eggs during
certain spring high tides. Horseshoe crabs live their
lives on the bottom of the ocean so their annual trip to
the beach is your chance to see this ancient species in
action. We will kayak on the calm waters of Plum Island
Sound to secluded areas where the crabs are not disturbed
to view this spectacle. Instruction in kayaking techniques
and safety procedures is provided with each program. The
fee (Adults $60.00 members, $70.00 non-members) covers
single kayak rental. Click here
or call (978) 462-9998 to sign up or for more info.

May 19th
– May 25th

May 20th
(Tuesday) – QUINSIGAMOND RIVER (BLACKSTONE WATERSHED) –
Quinsigamond River
Paddle, South Grafton,
6:15 PM, sponsored by the Blackstone
Valley Paddle Club.
Boat
Rentals Available.
Meet at the Riverview Apartments put-in off of Route 122,
approx one mile north of its intersection with Route 122A
(there’s a Cumberland Farms store at the junction). Follow
the Riverview Apts. road 1/4 mile to end (it becomes a
dirt road). Suitable for all levels of experience, and a
couple of paddling options are available for this trip.
Click here
or contact Cheryl at
StoneFoxFarm@juno.com
or (401) 647-5887 for more info.

May 21st
(Wednesday) – CHARLES RIVER – Opening Celebration of
the Charles River Greenway and Spring Run of River Herring,
10:30 AM at the Watertown Dam, co-sponsored by the Mass.
Department of Conservation and Recreation, Mass. Division
of Marine Fisheries, the Charles River Watershed
Association and the Corporate Wetlands
Restoration Partnership.
Enjoy a riverside talk on the restoration of native
vegetation along the Greenway. See the new educational
kiosk with information about river ecology and history.
Take an interpretive walk in the Greenway with a park
ranger. For further information, contact Susan Redlich at
the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership at (617)
287-or
susan.redlich@umb.edu.

May 21st
(Wednesday) – NASHUA RIVER – Massachusetts Rivers
Protection Act workshop,
7:00 PM. Jennifer
Gensel
of the Mass. DEP Wetlands Circuit Riders Program will
introduce Conservation Commissioners, members of Planning
Boards and interested citizens to the Massachusetts Rivers
Protection Act, which applies to all rivers and perennial
streams in the state. The relationship of the Rivers
Protection Act to the broader Wetlands Protection Act will
be explained. The presentation is free and open to the
public and will take place at the Nashua River Watershed
Association (NRWA)’s River Resource Center, Route 119 in
Groton. To register or for more information, please
contact Mark Archambault, NRWA Smart Growth Circuit Rider,
at (978) 448-0299, or MarkA@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.

May 24th
(Saturday) – HOOSIC RIVER – Riverfest, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM at
Cole Field in Williamstown, sponsored by the Hoosic River Watershed
Association.
HooRWA's annual celebration of the river is fun for the
entire family and includes rafting, canoeing, live music
and other live performances, riverbank art, pony rides,
live birds of prey, live river critters, crafts and
activities for kids, good food, and more! Admission
tickets double as raffle tickets for prizes such as bikes
and kayaks. Click here
or call HooRWA at (413) 458-2742 for more details on this
year’s celebration.

May 24th
(Saturday) – CHARLES RIVER –15th Annual
EarthFest at the Hatch Shell, 12noon – 6:00PM,
co-sponsored by 92.9 WBOS-FM and Whole Foods, in
cooperation with the Mass. Department of Conservation and
Recreation. EarthFest is a free celebration for the Earth
showcasing environmentally friendly products, groups, and
activities. EarthFest will also feature an all-star
musical line-up, an interactive family area and more. Go
to
http://www.earthfest.com
for more details; non-profit groups seeking to participate
in the event should e-mail Crystal
Margolis.

May 24th (Saturday) – NORTH
NASHUA RIVER – Paddle in Leominster,
9:30 AM, sponsored by the Merrimack
River Watershed Council.
This section of the river offers something for everyone,
from flatwater to Class I-II. A portage over a broken dam
is required. From Rte 2 to Leominster, take Mechanic
Street exit (Do not take the Mechanic St exit off I-190!).
Proceed west through lights into Searstown entrance. Put
in is across from Home Depot. Leader: Peter Urban,
(978) 407-6551, pturban@yahoo.com.

May 24th
(Saturday) – WILLARD BROOK (NASHUA WATERSHED) – Fly Fishing Seminar,
11:00 AM- 12 Noon, sponsored by the Friends of Willard Brook.
The seminar is led by Eino Kauppi, Townsend resident and
treasurer for Friends of Willard Brook, who has
successfully taught fly fishing on the Squannacook River
for more than 20 years. Get an overview of the sport of
fly fishing, including the aspects of casting, equipment,
the fish’s environment, and the practice of good
conservation. Meet at Pearl Hill State Park parking lot on
New Fitchburg Road in West Townsend. For more information,
call Eino at (978) 597-0248.

May 28th
(Wednesday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Evening Paddle for
Bitterns,
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife
Sanctuary.
The freshwater marsh known as Hassocky Meadow is a
beautiful beaver-enhanced wetland located in the heart of
the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Hassocky Meadow
provides breeding and resting areas for American and least
bitterns. Sanctuary visitors are usually limited to
scanning the meadow for birds from surrounding trails.
This evening, we’ll become one with this rich wetland
habitat as we canoe through the cattails looking and
listening for these rarely-seen bitterns. A variety of
ducks, rails, wrens, vireos, warblers, sparrows, and more
will also be within sight and sound. Basic paddling
instruction will be provided, along with all equipment.
Fee: Adults $15.00 members/$17.00 non-members. Click
here
or call (978) 887-9264 to sign up or for more info.

May 28th
(Wednesday) – NEPONSET RIVER – Spring Evening Paddle,
5:30 PM,
Neponset II Park, Hilltop Street, Dorchester,
sponsored by the Boston Natural Areas
Network.Join BNAN and MA DCR for a late spring evening
paddle
starting from the newest Neponset boatlaunch.
Going through the salt marsh up to Lower Mills, we will
enjoy this serene setting as twilight approaches. Canoeing
experience and pre-registration required. To
register contact BNAN at (617)
542-7696 or
info@bostonnatural.org

May 30th
(Friday) – NEPONSET RIVER – Neponset Greenway Bicycle
Tour,
10:00 AM, sponsored by the Boston Natural Areas Network.
On this 15-mile annual ride along the Greenway, we’ll
begin at Paul's Bridge on the Milton/Hyde Park border,
pedal “downstream” to Victory Road Park just past the
current terminus at Dorchester Bay, then return. Click
here
or call (617) 542-7696 for more info.

May 30th
(Friday) – SUDBURY RIVER –Evening Canoe Adventure,
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Drumlin
Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy a relaxed evening on the
beautiful Sudbury River as we watch for water-loving birds
and listen for the sounds and songs of many creatures
along the way. We provide all the gear, as well as
paddling and canoe safety instructions. Meets at Sudbury
River canoe landing on Rte. 117. Fee: Adults/Children
$24.00 members, $29.00 non-members. Click here
or call (781) 259-2200 to pre-register (required) or for
more info.

May 30th
(Friday) – JONES RIVER (SOUTH COASTAL WATERSHED) – High Tide Potluck and
Paddle,
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM, sponsored by the Jones River Watershed
Association.
Bring your friends, neighbors, family along with canoes,
kayaks and fishing poles and enjoy a night of great food
and fun. The grill is ready at 6 pm. All are welcome. Call
(781) 585-2322 or write info@jonesriver.org
for more details.

May 31st
– June 8th – STATEWIDE – National River CleanupTM
Kickoff,sponsored by American Rivers. Click here
for more details.

May 31st
(Saturday) – WESTPORT RIVER – Wild Edibles of Buzzards
Bay, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM,
sponsored by theWestport River Watershed
Alliance.
Join Riverways’ Russ Cohen
on a walk along the West Branch Westport River shoreline
and adjacent woodlands to learn about the comestible
qualities of at least two dozen plant species. Keys to the
identification of each species will be provided, along
with information on edible portion(s), season(s) of
availability and preparation methods, along with
guidelines for safe and environmentally-responsible
foraging. After the walk enjoy some wild food prepared by
Russ. Meet at WRWA office, 1151 Main Road, to carpool to
site. Space is limited. Please call (508) 636-3016 to
reserve a spot. Fee: $10 members /$12 non-members. Click
here
for more info.

May 31st
(Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Canoeing for Beginners,
9:00 AM – 12 noon, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife
Sanctuary.
Join us to learn basic paddling strokes such as the
forward and back paddle, sweep, draw, and j-stroke.
Learning these strokes correctly will enable you to
control your canoe with far less effort. We’ll practice on
land and in the backwaters, and then canoe the Ipswich
River to enjoy the sights and sounds of a spring morning.
Click here
or call (978) 887-9264 to sign up or for more info.

May 31st
(Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Source to Sea Canoe
Paddle in
Wilmington, sponsored by the Ipswich
River Watershed Association(IRWA).IRWA and
friends will paddle from source to sea down the length of
the Ipswich River.
All trips are BYOB (bring your own boat), PDF, and snacks.
Rain will cancel the trip. Pre-registration is required:
Clickherefor more info, or contact IRWA at
irwainfo@ipswichriver.org
or (978) 412-8200 to reserve your spot.

June 1st
(Sunday) – MERRIMACK and
PARKER RIVERS –Biodiversity Celebration, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM,
co-sponsored by the Parker
River Clean Water Association,
the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Mass.
Audubon’s Joppa Flats Wildlife Sanctuary.
Join us to honor the incredible variety of plants and
animals in our area. This full-day family event will
feature an exciting mixture of indoor and outdoor
activities offered throughout the Newburyport area to
encourage participants to learn more about biodiversity.
All activities will be free. A parent or guardian must
accompany each child. Rain or shine event. Click here
or contact Lisa Hutchings at (978) 462-9998 for more
info.

June 1st
(Sunday) – WESTFIELD RIVER –Fishway Open House,
10:00AM – 3:00PM, sponsored by the Westfield River Watershed
Association.
View
salmon and other migratory fish through a special viewing
window at the West Springfield fish ladder. The entrance
and registering area will be at the gate near the former
Southworth Paper Co. Office building at 150 Front Street.
From Rt. 20, turn south onto Second St. and go a couple of
blocks down the hill, then right onto Front St. After
about 200 yards, turn left and cross the railroad tracks,
then turn immediately right and look for parking along the
cobblestone street. Contact Bill Rose at (413) 786-0195
for more info.

June 1st
(Sunday) – NORTH AND SOUTH RIVERS – Recreational rowing on
the North River,
8:30 AM, sponsored by the North and South Rivers Watershed
Association. Discover another great way to enjoy our
beautiful rivers, come rowing with us on the North River.
Join in on a pleasant recreational row on the North River
and ride the tide up and back from Union Street up to
Route 3, stopping at Couch Beach for a picnic and swim on
the way back. Meet at the Marshfield Canoe Launch at 8:30
AM. Both fixed and sliding seat boats are welcome. All
boats and rowers should be equipped with proper safety
gear and PFD’s. Pre-registration a MUST, and the number
and size of the boats participating may be limited, so you
must sign up before May 23rd. Suggested donation is $10
per boat. Click here,
e-mail Paula
Christie
or call her at (781) 659-8168 to register or for more
info.

June 3rd
(Tuesday) – WEST RIVER (BLACKSTONE WATERSHED) – West River Paddle in
South Uxbridge,
6:15 PM, sponsored by the Blackstone
Valley Paddle Club.
Boat
Rentals Available.
Suitable for all levels of experience. Naturalist Julie
Riendeau will be leading this trip. You'll have the chance
to see lots of wildlife as you paddle upstream through
this stretch of clean, clear flatwater. The West River,
like the Nipmuc River, has excellent water quality and is
one of our rivers that is clean enough to swim in the
Blackstone Valley. Directions: From 146 (North or
South), take the Route 16 Exit. Take Rt. 16 East for 2
miles. You'll then pass through the Rt. 16/Rt. 122
intersection in downtown Uxbridge. Continue on Rt. 16 for
1 more mile. Look for a red building, Countryside Garden
Center, on the left. Take a left onto West River Road, the
street immediately following the Garden Center. Go
approximately 200 feet and park in the gravel lot on the
right side of road. Click here
or contact Cheryl at
StoneFoxFarm@juno.com
or (401) 647-5887 for more info.

June 4th
(Wednesday) – CONNECTICUT RIVER – Barton Cove Eagles and
Canoe Trip,
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Arcadia
Wildlife Sanctuary. Join Naturalist Aimee Gelinas for a
gentle paddle at Barton Cove. In the 1980s Massachusetts
initiated an eagle restoration project in hopes of
reintroducing this magnificent bird. This became a success
story; we now have 16 nesting bald eagles in the state,
including one pair at Barton Cove. Although we can’t
guarantee eagles, this spot has been very reliable, and
there is a video camera in the nest. At this time of year,
we hope to see both the adult and young. Click here
or call (413) 584-3009 to sign up or for more info.

June 7th
(Saturday) – STATEWIDE –National Trails Day,
sponsored
by the American Hiking Society. Click here
for more info and to find out about events in your area.

June 7th
(Saturday) – FRENCH RIVER – National Trails Day Trail
Work and Party,
8:00 AM - Noon, sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. Help the Corps freshen up its trails at Hodges
Village. No experience needed or age limit. Tools
provided. Meet at the Multiple Use Area off Clara Barton
Road in North Oxford. Pizza party follows. Contact Park
Ranger Ken Hester at
kenneth.w.hester@usace.army.mil
or click on
http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/hvd/hvdevent.htm
for more details.

June 7th
(Saturday) – FRENCH RIVER –Benefit Horseback Ride, 10:00AM – 1:00 PM at
Hodges Village dam in Oxford, sponsored by the Bay State
Trail Riders Association.
Benefit ride along the French River corridor to raise
money for trail projects. Click here
or contact Lynn Paretsky at (508) 476-7094 or
lynnparesky@aol.com
for more info.

June 7th
(Saturday) – TEN MILE RIVER –National Trails Day Walk in Attleboro, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM,
sponsored by the City of Attleboro and the Friends of
Attleboro Interested in Revitalization (F.A.I.R.). This is
a two-mile walk, starting on the Balfour Riverwalk
National Trail, which will then proceed on a city trail
through Larson Woods to the Blackington Pond area and
back. Click here,
call (508) 223-2222 or write
council@cityofattleboro.us
for more info.

June 7th
(Saturday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER –River cleanups in Glendale and Lee,
sponsored by the Housatonic
Valley Association
(HVA). Help the river and its habitats by picking up
trash and pulling up invasive species! Sign up now by
calling (413) 394-9796. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Dress
appropriately for the weather. Bring work gloves, drinking
water and tools (trash poker, BBQ tongs), sunscreen,
insect repellant. Trash bags will be provided.

June 7th
(Saturday) – TAUNTON RIVER –15th Annual Taunton River Festival,
10:00AM - 5:00PM, sponsored by the WEIR
Corporation
of Taunton (a local, nonprofit, community development
corporation). Held along the scenic Weir Village
Riverfront Park, East Water St. in Taunton, the Festival
is a free, family-oriented, day-long event featuring music
on two stages, a food court, crafts, a flea market,
educational exhibits, and much more. Children's
entertainment will include pony rides, puppet shows,
moonwalks, and a trackless train. Rain date is Sunday,
June 8th. This event is handicapped
accessible. For more information, click here
or contact the WEIR Corporation at (508) 821-9347.

June 7th
(Saturday) – CONCORD RIVER – Flatwater paddle in
Concord,
9:30 AM, sponsored by the Merrimack
River Watershed Council.
From history to wildlife – join us for an easy paddle
which passes under the Old North Bridge replica, (part of
the Minute Man National Historical Park), then proceeds
through the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Meet
at the Lowell Road bridge in Concord. Lowell Rd. is on
west side of the Colonial Inn at the north end of Concord
Common. Leader: Julie Smith (603) 891-0267, cantdog@comcast.net.
Trip Partners: Lowell National Historical Park.

June 7th
(Saturday) – QUINEBAUG RIVER –Flatwater canoe/kayak
trip along the Quinebaug Water Trail,
sponsored by the
Appalachian Mountain Club.
Enjoy great views on a 10 mile paddle. Bring
lunch/snacks, PFD, water, sunscreen. Call Leader Paul
Shields at (508) 832-5973 to pre-register (required)
and for more details.

June 7th
(Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER –
Reading/North Reading Stream Team: River Clean-Up8:00 AM, Ipswich River
Park, North Reading, sponsored by the Ipswich
River Watershed Association.
Volunteers are invited to bring canoes or kayaks,
clippers, gloves, garbage bags and a willingness to work
and possibly get wet. Contact Butch Conary at buttie@comcast.net
or 781-942-7505 with questions.

June 7th
(Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Biodiversity Days at
Riverbend: Fish and Macroinvertebrates in the Ipswich
River, 10:00 AM, sponsored by
the Ipswich
River Watershed Association
(IRWA). This event takes place at “Riverbend” (IRWA’s new
headquarters), 143 County Road in Ipswich. We'll get a
little wet while searching for those all important river
creatures: bugs and fish! Jim MacDougall will lead us in
our explorations.

June 7th
(Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – “Birds
of the Ipswich River” Canoe Trip,
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife
Sanctuary.
Join us for an evening that combines two fun outdoor
activities: birding and canoeing! The Ipswich River is a
beautiful meandering river that is a nursery and feeding
ground for many wetland birds. Birds we are likely to
encounter include green and great blue herons,
black-crowned night-herons, great egrets, and Baltimore
orioles, just to name a few. Basic paddling instruction
will be provided, along with all equipment. Fee: Adults
$21.00 members, $25.00 non-members. Click here
or call (978) 887-9264 to sign up or for more info.

June 7th
(Saturday) – GREEN RIVER (DEERFIELD WATERSHED) – Birding Hike,
6:30 AM – Noon, sponsored by the Deerfield River Watershed
Association.
Jay Rasku will lead us on a Breeding Bird Survey for the
Mass Audubon Society along the Green River. This walk can
be for any experience level. Bring binoculars, insect
repellent, water and a snack. Meet at Foster's Supermarket
at 70 Allen Street, Greenfield. Contact Jay at (978)
248-2118 for more info.

June 7th
(Saturday) – MERRIMACK RIVER –Kite Festival on the Merrimack, 11:00 AM –
3:00PM at Pemberton Park in downtown Lawrence, sponsored
by Groundwork
Lawrence.
The Kite Festival is a family-friendly event that includes
free kite-making and kite-flying at Pemberton Park on the
banks of the Merrimack River. Youth volunteers are needed
to help with kite-making (advance training required). To
volunteer or learn more, please send an e-mail to Rose
Gonzalez, Stewardship Program Manager, at rgonzalez@groundworklawrence.org
or (978) 974-0770.

June 7th
(Saturday) – WESTFIELD RIVER – Canoe Cruise,
sponsored by the Westfield
River Watershed Association.
Once again we'll
cruise the Westfield River, from downtown Westfield to
Robinson State Park in Agawam. Registration will be from
12:30 to 1:00 PM at the River Walk entry point off Meadow
Street in Westfield (0.1 miles SE of the Great River
Bridge, where Routes 10/202 cross the Westfield River just
north of the center of town). We'll launch at 1:00 PM and
the trip usually takes about 2-3 hours on the river. This
event is free for WRWA members (though you need your own
boat), and $5 per person for non-members (to cover the
cost of insurance). Steady rain cancels. Contact Tom Condon
for additional information.

June 7th
(Saturday) – CONNECTICUT RIVER –Family Fishing
Day, 10:00
AM- 2:00 PM.
The
Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center
invite families to participate in a fishing festival with
the MassWildlife Angler Education
Program.
The Festival will be held at the Great Falls Discovery
Center, 2 Avenue A in Turners Falls and is designed to
introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who
have an interest in learning about fishing, casting a
line, fish species in our waters, safety, ethics, and
fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have
your own, bring it along!

June 7th – 8th
(Saturday – Sunday) – STATEWIDE –Free Fishing Weekend,
sponsored by the
Mass. Division of Fisheries
and Wildlife.
Take a friend or family member fishing! No fishing license
needed during these two days! Fishing license fees support
fisheries research, angler education, fish stocking
programs and many other services provided by
MassWildlife. If you don't know how to fish, consider
attending the fishing festivals or other fishing-related
activities (see above entry, or click here
for more info). All Angler Education programs and
festivals are free and don't require a fishing license for
fishing.

June 8th (Sunday)
– WESTPORT RIVER –
National River Cleanup Week at Hix Bridge, 12:00
Noon, sponsored by the Westport River
Watershed Alliance.
Join WRWA and Osprey Sea Kayak as we kick off River
Cleanup Week with a cleanup on land and water starting at
Hix Bridge. Bring your own kayak or rent one from Osprey
Sea Kayak at a special reduced rate. Everyone who enjoys
using the river can help to clean up this troublesome
location. Don’t forget water and sun block for this day
of fun in the sun. Click on
http://www.wrwa.com/wrwacalendar.htm
or call (508) 636-3016 for more details.

June 8th
(Sunday) –
BLACKSTONE WATERSHED –
“Down the Drain
with Mass Audubon”
, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM, co-sponsored by the Broad Meadow
Brook Sanctuary and the Blackstone River Coalition. Two
sure methods to improve water quality in our waterways are
reducing stormwater volume and recharging groundwater. On
this van tour we'll scout out Worcester and the Blackstone
Valley for such innovative low-impact development
practices as rain gardens, pervious asphalt, vegetated
swales, narrow roadways, and maybe a green roof!
In-the-ground examples will give you ideas about how to
reduce your own stormwater impacts. This program is part
of the Campaign for a Fishable/Swimmable
Blackstone River by 2015.
Click here
or call (508) 755-8899 to sign up or for more info.

June 8th
(Sunday) – POWOW RIVER (MERRIMACK WATERSHED) – Flatwater paddle in
Amesbury,
9:30 AM, sponsored by the Merrimack
River Watershed Council.
A small, cozy, twisty little river that offers a variety
of trip possibilities. From Rte 495 Exit 54, take Rte 150
North. In just under one mile turn left on Highland St.,
(park will be on right). Highland turns into Lions Mouth
Rd. Continue to crossing of Powwow River at outlet of
Tuxbury Pond. Parking area is just past river. After
unloading boat, please move car to parking area.
Leader: Bob Jeffers (978) 663-3664,
Rwjeffers6@aaahawk.com.

June 8th
(Sunday) – CHARLES RIVER –Dragon Boat Festival
, 9:00AM- 5:00 PM, sponsored by the Hong Kong
Dragon Boat Festival of Boston.
The Dragon Boat Festival is a centuries-old cultural and
sporting event, and the Boston club has been making it
local for many years. The festival features boat races,
arts and crafts, Asian cuisine, and it is free and open to
the public. Click here
for up-to-date info.

June 9th
– June 15th

June 10th
(Tuesday) – CHARLES RIVER – Brown Bag Lunch on Dam
Removal,
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, sponsored by the Charles
River Watershed Association.
Massachusetts has over 3,000 dams, many of which no longer
serve a useful purpose and continue to degrade our rivers
and streams. Hear Beth Lambert, Riverways’ fluvial
geomorphologist, and Tim Purinton, Riverways’ river
restoration planner, discuss the status of dam removal in
Massachusetts and the growing momentum to remove dams to
restore the ecological integrity of our rivers. Click
here
or call (781) 788-0007 for more info.

June 12th
(Thursday) – QUINSIGAMOND and BLACKSTONE RIVERS – Sunset Paddle,
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broad
Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. Put in at the Riverview
Apartments landing off of Providence Road (Route 122) in
Grafton to escape into the lush beauty of the Quinsigamond
River. We'll paddle downstream toward Fisherville, winding
through beautiful wildlife habitat, and then take a right
to paddle upstream in the Blackstone River. Enjoy the
sunset reflected in these lovely waterways. This program
is part of the Campaign for a Fishable/Swimmable
Blackstone River by 2015.
Fee: Adults $10.00 members/$12.00 non-members; Children
$7.00 members/$9.00 non-members. Click here
or call (508) 755-8899 to sign up or for more info.

June 12th
(Thursday) – STATEWIDE – Earth Night at the
Boston Children’s Museum,
sponsored by the Environmental League of Massachusetts.
Click on
http://www.earthnight.org/
for more details.

June 12th
(Thursday) – SLOCUMS RIVER (BUZZARDS BAY WATERSHED) –Women’s Canoe Trip,
6:30PM - 8:30PM, sponsored by the Lloyd
Center for Environmental Studies,
430 Potomska Road in Dartmouth. Ladies only! Enjoy
paddling along the historic Slocums River with the
Center’s Liz Moniz and make new friends along the way.
Transportation and all equipment provided. Bring footwear
that you won’t mind getting wet, as well as a snack and
drink (non-alcoholic). Fees: $20/members, $25/non-members.
Registration required (12 spaces available). Contact the
Lloyd Center at (508) 558-2918 or click here
to register or for more info.

June 13th
(Friday) – JONES RIVER (SOUTH COASTAL WATERSHED) – High Tide Potluck and
Paddle,
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM, sponsored by the Jones River Watershed
Association.
Bring your friends, neighbors, family along with canoes,
kayaks and fishing poles and enjoy a night of great food
and fun. The grill is ready at 6 pm. All are welcome. Call
(781) 585-2322 or write info@jonesriver.org
for more details.

June 14th
(Saturday) – CHARLES RIVER – Father’s Day Weekend
Canoe & Breakfast,
7:00 AM – 11:30 AM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broadmoor
Wildlife Sanctuary.
Celebrate Father’s Day early with a relaxing canoe trip!
Watch the morning mist rising off the water. Keep an eye
out for great blue herons and other birds gliding over the
water. Enjoy the beautiful views as we paddle through
Rocky Narrows Reservation and Broadmoor to the South
Natick Dam. A hearty breakfast will be served midway on
the banks of the river. Fee: Adults $39.00 members/$45.00
non-members Click here
or call (508) 655-2296 to sign up or for more info.

June 14th
(Saturday) – CHARLES RIVER – 29th Annual
Cambridge River Festival,
12:00 Noon- 6:00 PM, (rain or shine), sponsored by the
Cambridge
Arts Council.
Revolving along a one-mile stretch on the banks of the
Charles River, the festival celebrates the city’s cultural
diversity through music, dance, and the arts. Captivating
people of all ages and backgrounds, nationally recognized
musicians and visual artists will entertain at this lively
outdoor celebration. This free event brings the Greater
Boston community together to enjoy the talents of
performers and artists.
Clickhere
for more info.

June 14th
(Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Source to Sea Canoe
Paddle in
Reading, sponsored by theIpswich
River Watershed Association(IRWA).IRWA and
friends will paddle from source to sea down the length of
the Ipswich River.
All trips are BYOB (bring your own boat), PDF, and snacks.
Rain will cancel the trip. Pre-registration is required:
Clickherefor more info, or contact IRWA at
irwainfo@ipswichriver.org
or (978) 412-8200 to reserve your spot.

June 14th
(Saturday) – DEERFIELD RIVER
– Deerfield RiverFest in
Shelburne Falls, 10:00AM – 4:00PM, sponsored by the Deerfield River Watershed
Association.
RiverFest is an annual tribute to the Deerfield River,
and the role it plays in people’s lives and the ecosystem
of western Massachusetts.

Through entertaining,
educational displays and demonstrations, a unique “Frog &
Flower Parade” of schoolchildren (and adults), art,
crafts, tag, book and plant sales, RiverFest helps people
of all ages—area residents as well as visitors—gain a
greater understanding of and appreciation for a rich
natural resource. In keeping with this year’s theme,
“Celebrating a Working Watershed,” grownups and youngsters
will be able to meet some of the spectacular birds of prey
that soar through local skies…find out about the
environmental and health benefits of eating locally grown
foods…learn about sources of safe, sustainable
energy…discover how to identify invasive and edible wild
plants…take a ride on a historic trolley car…even spend
some quality time rafting on the river. Click here
or contact Polly Bartlett at dbartlet@crocker.com
or (413) 625-6628 for more info.

June 14th
(Saturday) – CONNECTICUT RIVER –
Paddling Vernon to Pauchaug,
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, co-sponsored by the Northfield Mountain
Environmental Center and the Connecticut River Watershed
Council (CRWC). Join Andrea Donlon, CRWC River Steward
and Northfield Mountain's Beth Bazler on this 6½ mile
paddle from the Vernon Dam, by nesting bald eagles, the
mouth of the Ashuelot River and a former Native American
settlement site. Andrea will also share information about
issues such as riverbank erosion and bank swallow
habitat. We'll stop along the way for lunch and possibly
harvest a small amount of native clay deposited when this
area was submerged under glacial Lake Hitchcock. This is
a rare opportunity to have shuttle service between Vernon
Dam and Pauchaug Brook! Those bringing their own boats can
choose to drop them off in Vernon, VT before meeting the
group or meet early at Pauchaug and have them shuttled for
a fee. Fee: $10 per boat with own boat; $25 with own boat
shuttled; $50 with rental Pre-register (required)
by calling (800) 859-2960. Click
here
for more details.

June 14th
(Saturday) – ASSABET RIVER – Fishing Class for Kids
(part of
Riverfest – see below), 9:00 AM, sponsored by the
Organization for the Assabet River (OAR).
Concord Outfitters
will run a fishing class for children ages 6-13 years old
on the banks of the Assabet River in West Concord.
Pre-registration is required. Please call (978) 318 0330
or send an e-mail by Thursday, June 12 to andy@concordoutfitters.com
to register your child. Made possible by the generosity of
Concord Outfitters. Click here
for more info.

June 14th
(Saturday) – ASSABET RIVER
–RiverQuest (part of Riverfest
– see below), sponsored by the
Organization for the Assabet River
(OAR). Explore the Assabet from Damonmill to the Calf
Pasture take-out along Lowell Road. Put-in between 10:00
and 11:00AM and paddle down the river searching for clues
and stickers along the way. This is a family-friendly
paddle that takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete,
depending on how fast you paddle and how intensely you
observe. Call the OAR office at (978) 369-3956 to
pre-register and save a space in the shuttle back to
Damonmill to retrieve your car.

June 14th
– 15th (Saturday – Sunday) – SUDBURY, ASSABET
andCONCORD
RIVERS–7thAnnual
Riverfest, sponsored by the Sudbury,
Assabet and Concord Wild and Scenic River Stewardship
Council.
Riverfest has grown into a celebration including over 50
events on and along the rivers. All weekend long, from
dawn to dusk, there will events suitable for the whole
family. Canoe trips, bicycle rides, hikes, bird walks,
treasure hunts, lectures, narrated walks, history lessons,
concerts, art exhibits, storytelling are all included.
Click here
or contact Lee Steppacher at (617) 223-5225 or
lee_steppacher@nps.gov
for more info.

June 14th
– 15th (Saturday – Sunday) – DEERFIELD RIVER –
Whitewater paddle at Monroe Bridge,
sponsored by the
Appalachian Mountain Club.
Enjoy some of the best whitewater in Massachusetts,
courtesy of a scheduled dam release upstream. Contact
Leader Norm Rehn at (508) 462-9062 or Norman-rehn@aspect.com
to pre-register (required) and for more details.

June 15th
(Sunday) – DEERFIELD RIVER – Mahican-Mohawk
Trail Hikes,
sponsored by the Deerfield
River Watershed Association.
A hike suitable for families with small children will be
from Shelburne Center down to the main M-M trail and
upstream coming back out at the Route 2 Trail Head just
east of the State Police barracks. This hike is about two
and a half miles long and includes lots of flowers to
enjoy, Sluice Brook as it tumbles into the Deerfield
River, Wilcox Hollow access to the River, and the former
forestry nursery with its many non-native plants. This
hike begins at 9:30 AM. A second hike will be in the
Mohawk Trail State Park in Charlemont and will climb to
the ridge above the camp ground to Todd Mountain and its
view down the Deerfield River valley. Although this hike
is only about four miles long, it climbs 1200 feet in
three miles and may not be suitable for young children.
The hike starts at 9:00 AM. For all hikers, there will be
a picnic at the Buckland Recreation Area on Route 112
after the hikes. Hikes are free of charge, but
registration is mandatory to arrange for car spotting
and food preparation by local supporters; contact Polly
Bartlett at (413) 625-6628.

June
16th – June 22nd

June 18th
(Wednesday) – CONNECTICUT RIVER –Full Strawberry Moon
Canoe,
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Arcadia
Wildlife Sanctuary.
Full Moon names date back to Native Americans of what is
now the northern and eastern United States. Join Aimee
Gelinas to paddle in the light of the full moon on the
Mill River and Arcadia marsh. We might see a great blue
heron headed for the nearby rookery or perhaps an
ambitious beaver swimming along. Click here
or call (413) 584-3009 to sign up or for more info.

June 19th
(Thursday) – IPSWICH RIVER – “Welcoming the Summer”
Family Dusk Paddle,
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife
Sanctuary.
Bring your family and join us for an evening paddle in a
canoe as we learn more about the river and some of its
inhabitants. Basic instruction will be provided, along
with all equipment. Click here
or call (978) 887-9264 to sign up or for more info.

June 20th
(Friday) – CONCORD RIVER –Solstice Celebration
Picnic and Paddle,
7:00PM, co-sponsored
by the
Organization for the Assabet River
(OAR), Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) and the Musketaquid
Center for the Arts and Environment. A musical picnic
supper at the Old Manse
is followed by a twilight paddle past the drumming and
bonfire at Old Calf Pasture, and up the Assabet and
Sudbury Rivers. Bring your candle lantern (see OAR’s web
page for instructions on how to make one) if you plan to
join the flotilla of canoes and kayaks, and enjoy the
longest day of the year with us. This event is quickly
becoming another one of Concord’s favorite traditions!
Call the OAR office at (978) 369-3956 for more info.

June 21st
(Saturday) – GALLOWAY BROOK (CHICOPEE WATERSHED) –Hike Cook’s Canyon in Barre, 10 AM –
12;30 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook
Wildlife Sanctuary. Cook's Canyon is named for the small
ravine that channels Galloway Brook, leading to an
impressive waterfall. Explore the gentle trails with
naturalist Doug Kimball for late-spring wildflowers and
signs of history in this out-of-the-way sanctuary. Fee:
Adults $10.00 members, $13.00 non-members. Click here
or call (508) 753-6087 to sign up or for more info.

June 21st
(Saturday) – SQUANNACOOK RIVER (NASHUA WATERSHED) – Morning Walk,
10:00AM – 11:30 AM, sponsored by the Friends of Willard Brook.
Go on a leisurely walk through town and state property.
View the Squannacook River, and visit Black Rock and The
Point. Meet at Squannacook Elementary School upper
parking lot on Route 13, just north of Townsend center.
Leader: Rhonda Plamondon. Call Rhonda at (978) 877-8489
with questions.

June 21st
(Saturday) – WESTPORT RIVER – 5th Annual
River Run Race, sponsored by the Westport River Watershed
Alliance
(WRWA).
Registration begins at
8:30AM; races start at 10:00 and 10:30 AM (rain or
shine). The race starts at the Hix Bridge Landing and
finishes (upstream, with the incoming tide) at the Head of
Westport. Kayakers and canoeists will be able to
participate in either a family-fun course or a competitive
paddle. If you don’t have a boat, don’t let that stop you
from coming out and having fun; kayak rentals are
available on race day at a discounted price from Osprey
Sea Kayak Adventures. Transportation of kayak to the race
start is included. (You must pre-arrange for your boat.)
Call Osprey Sea Kayak at (508) 636-0300 to reserve. Entry
fee includes a tee shirt (while they last), water and
fruit, and juice and snacks at the end of the race. Click
here
or contact the WRWA office at (508) 636-3016 or wep@wrwa.com
to register or for more info.

June 22nd
(Sunday) – WESTPORT RIVER – Westport Bird Walk,
7:00 AM at the Westport Town Farm,
sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations.Explore the hay fields
and salt marsh along the Westport River in search
of songbirds, waterfowl and osprey with Bill Gil of the
Paskamansett Bird Club. The event is free, but
pre-registration is required. Click here,
call (508)
508-679-2115 or write to bioreserve@ttor.org
to sign up or for more info.

June 22nd
(Sunday) – SUDBURY RIVER – Flatwater paddle,
9:30 AM, sponsored by the Merrimack
River Watershed Council.
Enjoy 7 easy miles of paddling to Egg Rock at the
Minuteman National Historical Park in Concord MA. This
fine section of river is highly recommended. Meet at 9:30
am at boat ramp on Sherman’s Bridge Road. Take Rte. 117 to
Rte. 126 South, about 1 to 2 miles, then turn right onto
Sherman’s Bridge Road, go about 1 mile to boat ramps at
the river. Leader: Bob Jeffers (978) 663-3664,
Rwjeffers6@aaahawk.com.

June 22nd
(Sunday) – CONCORD RIVER – Afternoon Canoe Paddle,
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broadmoor
Wildlife Sanctuary. Come explore an historic and
beautiful section of the Concord River. Learn about the
role of the Concord Impoundments in the Revolutionary War
and watch for herons, egrets and more as we paddle through
parts of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Fee:
Adults $33.00 members/$38.00 non-members. Click here
or call (508) 655-2296 to sign up of for more info.

June 22nd
(Sunday) – MERRIMACK RIVER – Ecology Excursion aboard
the Yankee Clipper,
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Joppa
Flats Wildlife Sanctuary. Join Teacher-Naturalist Lisa
Hutchings and the crew of the Yankee Clipper for an
exciting exploration of the lower Merrimack River
ecosystem. These tours involve hands-on science including
water sampling and analysis and plankton collection and
examination. Of course, enjoying the sights, sounds, and
smells of the estuary is a part of every trip. Your family
will have a wonderful time exploring and learning about
this vital part of the area's natural history. Fee:
Adults $20.00 members/$27.00 non-members; Children $16.00
members/$19.00 non-members. Click here
or call (978) 462-9998 to sign up or for more info.

June
23rd – June 29th

June 23rd
(Monday) – STATEWIDE – 2nd
Annual Low Impact Development Conference and Vendor
Exhibit
at the Burlington Marriott, co-sponsored by the Environmental Business
Council of New England,
the Mass.
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
and the
Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management.
This
year's conference will provide the latest information on
innovative LID residential and commercial "big box"
projects, Best Management Practice (BMP) performance
analysis, and the revisions to state and local permitting
requirements. The conference will also discuss the future
of LID in Massachusetts, including the LID role in climate
change adaptation, Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) and LEED Neighborhood Design (ND), and green
solutions (green design and green buildings). Click here
to register or for more info, or contact EBC Executive
Director Dan Moon at dkmoon@ebcne.org.

June 24th
(Tuesday) – BLACKSTONE RIVER – River Bend Farm Loop,
6:15 PM, sponsored by the Blackstone
Valley Paddle Club.
We will have a National Park Service Ranger paddling
with us this evening. Paddle on the canal to historic
Goat Hill lock, or experienced paddlers can paddle
the loop, down the river and then up the canal.
Directions: From Rt. 146 North or South: Take the exit
for Rt. 16 East. Follow Rt. 16 East for about three miles
into downtown Uxbridge. At light turn right and immediate
left, to continue on Rt. 16 East. After light, continue to
second left. Turn left onto Oak Street. Proceed north on
Oak Street for about 1.5 miles, staying right at fork by
school. River Bend Farm is on the right. The parking lot
is next to the red barn. Click here
or contact Cheryl at
StoneFoxFarm@juno.com
or (401) 647-5887 for more info.

June 26th
(Thursday) – NEPONSET RIVER – Family Fun Night &
Neponset 5K Run,
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Martini Shell, Truman Pkwy, Hyde Park,
co-sponsored by the Boston Natural Areas
Network
and Hyde Park businesses and community groups. As part of
the 14th Annual Neponset River Greenway Festival, this
family event will include music, dancing, face painting, a
moon bounce, free food and refreshments and much more! You
can also race in the Christy Proctor Memorial 5k run
($15.00 registration fee, call (617) 962-4756 to
register). Click here
for more info.

June 27th
(Friday) – CHARLES RIVER – Evening Canoe Paddle,
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broadmoor
Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy a paddle down one of the most
beautiful stretches of the Charles River, past Medfield
State Hospital. Watch for the rare cardinal flower and
great blue herons along the banks of the river. Fee:
Adults $30.00 members/$35.00 non-members. Click here
or call (508) 655-2296 to sign up or for more info.

June 27th
(Friday) – JONES RIVER (SOUTH COASTAL WATERSHED) – High Tide Potluck and
Paddle,
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM, sponsored by the Jones River Watershed
Association.
Bring your friends, neighbors, family along with canoes,
kayaks and fishing poles and enjoy a night of great food
and fun. The grill is ready at 6 pm. All are welcome. Call
(781) 585-2322 or write info@jonesriver.org
for more details.

June 28th
(Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Flatwater paddle in
Topsfield, 9:30 AM, sponsored by the Merrimack
River Watershed Council.
A leisurely 6 mile paddle on a winding river through
protected lands. Bird watching is a favorite pastime on
this section of the river. Directions: Take Rte 1 to Rte
97 South/East. Go 1/2 mile to bridge. Leader: Paul
Husted, (978) 649-2300,
phusted46@comcast.net.
Co-sponsored by the Ipswich River Watershed Association.

June 28th
(Saturday) – NORTH AND SOUTH RIVERS – North to South River
Paddle,
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM, sponsored by the North and South
Rivers Watershed Association. This paddle is on the
ambitious side and some experience is required. We will
travel all of the navigable waters of both the South and
North Rivers and take the whole day, riding the tide down
the South River and then riding it up the North River
after slack. We will make time to stop for a late
afternoon cook-out as we cover the route. Pre-registration
and PFD’s are required as the paddle is limited to 8
boats. There is no onsite registration. Suggested donation
is $20 per boat. Additional time will be required at each
end to shuttle cars. Click here
or e-mail Paula
Christie
or call her at (781) 659-8168 to register or for more
info.

June 28th
(Saturday) – CONCORD RIVER – Water Chestnut Removal
and Clean-up,
10:00 AM- 12 noon, sponsored by the Lowell
Parks and Conservation Trust
in partnership with the Town of Billerica Conservation
Commission and the Organization for the Assabet River.
Water chestnut is a European aquatic plant, considered
invasive, which depletes the river’s oxygen for other
riverine species. Volunteers
are needed to remove the plants by hand from a stretch of
the Concord River in Billerica. Please let us know if you
can provide your own boat. Pizza party to follow. Click
hereor
call
(978)934-0030 for more info.

June 29th
(Sunday) – MERRIMACK RIVER – Ecology Excursion aboard
the Yankee Clipper,
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Joppa
Flats Wildlife Sanctuary. Join Teacher-Naturalist Lisa
Hutchings and the crew of the Yankee Clipper for an
exciting exploration of the lower Merrimack River
ecosystem. These tours involve hands-on science including
water sampling and analysis and plankton collection and
examination. Of course, enjoying the sights, sounds, and
smells of the estuary is a part of every trip. Your family
will have a wonderful time exploring and learning about
this vital part of the area's natural history. Fee:
Adults $20.00 members/$27.00 non-members; Children $16.00
members/$19.00 non-members. Click here
or call (978) 462-9998 to sign up or for more info.

June 29th
(Sunday) – PLUM ISLAND RIVER (PARKER WATERSHED) – Paddle and Walk, Sawyer's
Island/Rowley Marshes, Rowley,
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, sponsored by the Essex County Greenbelt
Association.
Lifelong nature enthusiast Pike Messenger will lead us on
paddle/wade/walk in and around these low tide waters. The
tide will allow us to explore some of Plum Island River's
bars as well as Whittier's "low green prairies of the
sea." We'll look for birds, mud creatures and plants in
the rich ecosystems of this famous estuary. Don't forget
bug repellent or mosquito netting. Directions: From the
traffic light in Rowley Center, drive north on Route 1A
for about 0.1 mile, at first fork, bear left and continue
on Patmos Road about one mile to Sawyer's Island. Click
here,
or if you have questions or need a canoe, call Pike at
(978) 774-1507.

June
30th – July 6th

July 1st
(Tuesday) – BLACKSTONE RIVER - Blackstone Gorge to
Millville Lock Paddle,
6:15 PM, sponsored by the Blackstone
Valley Paddle Club.
Boat
Rentals Available.
Naturalist Julie Reindeau will be leading this trip, which
is suitable for all levels of experience. Paddle from the
Gorge upriver to the historic Millville Lock. Come and see
the improved canoe/kayak access. Lots of history and
natural beauty on this trip. Directions: from Route 122 in
the town of Blackstone, MA, look for a brown and white
sign directing you to turn left onto County Street towards
Blackstone Gorge. The Gorge is at the end of County
Street, parking lot is on the left. Click here
or contact Cheryl at
StoneFoxFarm@juno.com
or (401) 647-5887 for more info.

The
Massachusetts Riverways Program promotes
therestoration and protection of the ecological
integrity of the Commonwealth's rivers, streams and
adjacent lands, and promotes public access to and along
rivers and streams consistent with resource protection.